Call 911 in an Emergency or if You or Someone Else is in Imminent Danger

Caution: Please be aware that phone, tablet, computer and other device activity may be monitored. It can be safer for victims and survivors to obtain information using a device a perpetrator does not have potential access to. For more information, visit or contact the National Domestic Violence Hotline • 800.799.7233 or 800.787.3224 (TTY).

For your information: Federal and state laws and CSU/Cal State LA policies prohibit dating and domestic violence, sexual violence, stalking, and other forms of misconduct. This prohibition applies to students, employees, and others; as well as to conduct both on and off-campus. Perpetrators can be subject to campus sanctions such as suspension, expulsion, and employment termination; as well as arrest, criminal prosecution, restitution, and civil justice. Victims and survivors have numerous rights granted by federal and state laws (see Survivors' Rights). Additionally, dating and domestic violence, sexual violence and sexually motivated stalking are also considered to be Title IX violations.

First Things First!

There are many options available to you, however, it is also your right to choose against any and all options identified here. For additional rights and options contact a 24-hour hotline or click on survivors' rights.

Call 911 in an emergency or if you are in imminent danger—Report incidents to local law enforcement or University Police.

Know and believe that you are not at fault! Everyone deserves to be treated with respect. Survivors don’t cause or deserve abuse, assaults, stalking, or any other crimes; and are not responsible for someone else’s actions, no matter what a perpetrator may say.

Get Help from a 24-Hour Hotline

24-hour hotlines operated by local and national agencies provide round the clock assistance to adults and children who are survivors of dating and domestic violence, sexual violence and stalking. Crisis intervention counseling; safety planning; evidence preservation recommendations; accompaniment and support for forensic exams and law enforcement and criminal justice interviews; short-term and long-term counseling; support groups; emergency shelter or shelter referrals; legal assistance; referrals; and other advocacy services are available.

National 24-hour hotlines provide assistance and connect survivors and concerned friends and family with local agencies. For phone and online chat assistance, contact the:

Get Medical Care as Soon as Possible

Obtaining appropriate medical care as soon as possible after a physical or sexual assault is very important for survivor health and wellbeing—even when there are no apparent injuries. As certain forms of care are time-sensitive, it is extremely important to consider seeking medical attention as soon as possible after an assault.

Medical care may include:

Emergency contraception: Emergency contraception consists of pills (sometimes called “morning after pills”) or intrauterine contraceptives which can lower pregnancy risk after a rape. Emergency contraception must be administered within 5 days (120 hours) of a sexual assault. For additional information on emergency contraception visit Womenshealth.gov.

Emotional care and support: The aftermath or living with domestic and sexual violence, including stalking, can be emotionally traumatizing. Medical personnel can provide emotional support as well as connect survivors with licensed mental health professionals. Emotional care and support is also available from 24-hour hotlines.

Evidence collection: Medical providers can assist survivors with evidence preservation and documentation. Evidence preservation is very important — even when someone is not intending to report a crime or policy violation (to law enforcement or campus officials). Evidence preservation is important in the event a victim decides at a future date to report incidents, seek a protective/restraining order, or file a civil lawsuit. For information on evidence preservation (in general and the sexual assault evidentiary exam, specifically), click on evidence preservation.

HIV pre-exposure prophylaxix (HIV PrEP): HIV PrEP is daily HIV medication which individuals who are at very high risk of getting infected with HIV can take to prevent getting infected. Click on Get PrEP LA for information and locations to obtain HIV PrEP in Los Angeles County. Click on HIV PrEP for additional information from HIV.gov.

HIV post-exposure prophylaxis (HIV PEP): HIV PEP consists of taking HIV medications to reduce the chances of becoming infected with HIV after a potential exposure to HIV. HIV PEP must be started within 72 hours after a potential exposure. Click on Get PrEP LA for information and locations to obtain HV PEP in Los Angeles County. Click on HIV PEP for additional information from HIV.gov.

Injury care and treatment: Survivors should seek medical care as soon as they are able after an assault, even when there are no apparent injuries. In addition, medical providers will document injuries identified during examinations.

Sexually transmitted infection (STI) testing and treatment: STI care may include testing for common STI and prophylactic treatment (a medication or vaccination) to reduce risk of STI infection after a potential exposure. Care should be sought as soon as possible after a sexual assault. For additional information on STI visit the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

Obtain Emotional Care and Support

Dating and domestic violence, sexual misconduct and violence, and stalking can have a profound emotional impact on survivors. Counseling and psychological services can help survivors cope while living with ongoing abuse and the aftermath of incidents. Local agencies offer crisis counseling 24/7 through their 24-hour hotlines. Agencies also offer specialized short-term and long-term counseling and support groups. National hotlines can connect victims with local victim assistance agencies. Counseling is also available through the Student Health Center's Counseling and Psychological Services.

Plan for Safety

Safety planning, although not a safety guarantee, is important to help reduce risk of harm. Please be aware that the highest risk of lethal danger is when a perpetrator threatens to kill him-/herself or others, and when a victim tries to end the relationship with their abuser or has recently left the abuser.

What is Safety Planning?

According to the National Domestic Violence Hotline...

A safety plan is a personalized, practical plan that includes ways to remain safe while in a relationship, planning to leave, or after you leave. Safety planning involves how to cope with emotions, tell friends and family about the abuse, take legal action and more.

The National Domestic Violence Hotline safety plans with victims, friends and family members — anyone who is concerned about their own safety or the safety of someone else.

A good safety plan will have all of the vital information you need and be tailored to your unique situation, and will help walk you through different scenarios.

Although some of the things that you outline in your safety plan may seem obvious, it’s important to remember that in moments of crisis your brain doesn’t function the same way as when you are calm. When adrenaline is pumping through your veins it can be hard to think clearly or make logical decisions about your safety. Having a safety plan laid out in advance can help you to protect yourself in those stressful moments.

A safety plan might include:

Making decisions based on the risk of harm to self and children.

Consulting with a hotline and police to find out how to reduce risk when living with a perpetrator and in other high-risk situations.

Telling trusted people about the situation and developing a plan or signal for when help is needed.

Teaching and practicing with children how to reach safety and call 911.

Identifying safe places to escape to when at home, school or work to avoid an attack; or go to as soon as possible after an assault.

Taking advantage of safety measures coordinated by the Cal State LA Title IX Coordinator or University Police.

Avoiding being alone or alone with the perpetrator whenever possible. Using the escort services of University Police’s Eagle Patrol or Title IX Coordinator when on campus. Varying daily schedules as much as possible and changing travel routes.

Carrying a cell phone at all times and making sure the battery is always as fully charged as possible.

Having extra money, clothes, medications, other essentials, and copies of important documents (e.g., credit card accounts, birth certificates, mortgage papers) stored with a trusted person the abuser is not aware of.

Obtaining a protective/restraining order and making sure it is on file with University Police.

Consulting with local law enforcement or an appropriate attorney regarding child custody and abduction laws prior to leaving a relationship.

For helpful safety planning strategies visit:

Please Note: As safety needs vary depending on circumstances, consulting with a 24-hour hotline advocate and local law enforcement or University Police is recommended.

Preserve Evidence

All survivors are encouraged to preserve evidence—even when not intending to report a crime (to law enforcement or campus officials). Evidence preservation is important in the event a survivor decides to report the crime or file a civil lawsuit at a future date. General evidence preservation information may be found through Project SAFE's Evidence Preservation page. Detailed evidence preservation tips, including information on the sexual assault forensic exam are available through 24-hour hotlines (click on one of the links immediately below this paragraph) and law enforcement agencies. Note: If incidents will not be immediately reported to law enforcement or campus authorities (e.g., Title IX Coordinator), evidence should be kept in a safe place where a perpetrator is not likely to discover it.

Pursue a Civil Lawsuit and Seek Financial Compensation for Losses

Civil Lawsuit

Crime survivors have the right to file a civil lawsuit against their perpetrators and other responsible parties. This is an important right because restitution and compensation (see descriptions below) may not fully cover a survivor's financial losses or pay for emotional damages (i.e., pain and suffering). A civil lawsuit is an alternative or supplemental method for seeking full compensation. Civil Justice for Victims of Crime in California is a useful guide for those considering pursuing a civil lawsuit. Additional information and related legal assistance may be found through:

Compensation

The California Victim Compensation Program helps pay crime-related expenses for certain violent crimes. Qualifying crimes include assault, child abuse, domestic violence, hate crimes, and sexual assault. Depending on circumstances, the program may pay for expenses such as: home security, relocation, medical and dental treatment, mental health services, and income loss. For additional information or to apply for the program, visit the California Victim Compensation Program.

Report Incidents To and Receive Assistance from Cal State LA

The Cal State LA Title IX Notice of Non-Discrimination affirms "The California State University does not discriminate on the basis of sex, gender, or sexual orientation in its education programs or activities." The statement is accompanied by CSU Executive Order 1095 which identifies prohibited conduct and includes answers to questions victims and survivors may have related to Cal State LA options — What should I do? Who should I contact? What reporting options do I have? As a reporter, am I protected from retaliation? What else might happen if I notify University Police? What CSU procedures are available? What are the CSU definitions of sexual violence, dating violence, domestic violence, stalking and consent?

Crime Reporting and Alcohol and Other Drug Use by Victims

The use of alcohol or drugs never makes the survivor at fault for sexual misconduct and violence. Moreover, survivors should not be deterred from reporting incidents of sexual misconduct and violence out of a concern that they might be disciplined for related violations of drug, alcohol or other University policies. Except in extreme circumstances, victims of sexual misconduct and violence are not subject to discipline for related violations of University policy.

University Police

Title IX Coordinator and Deputy Title IX Coordinators

The Title IX Coordinator and Deputy Title IX Coordinators:

Oversee and implement the University’s complaint and investigation processes. Details regarding these procedures and related information can be found by viewing the Cal State LA Title IX Notice of Non-Discrimination.

Coordinate and provide: safety measures; academic, work, housing, and transportation accommodations, if requested and reasonably available; referrals; information related to victims’ rights; and other assistance. This assistance is available even when victims choose not to report the crimes against them to law enforcement or the crimes occur off-campus.

Request Protective/Restraining Orders

Protective/restraining orders are court orders that can help protect victims from abuse, stalking, serious harassment, threats of violence, and other crimes. Restraining orders can be an important component of a safety plan. Crime victims have the right to request a restraining order from a superior court. There are different types of restraining orders, each of which applies to a different set of circumstances. For information on protective/restraining orders, please visit the Project SAFE Survivors' Rights page.

Survivors Have the Right to do Nothing at All

Although we encourage survivors to report crimes, preserve evidence and obtain help; survivors have the right to report incidents and seek assistance at a later date; and to not report or seek assistance at all—if they so choose.